A Lifestyle for Optimal Health
- Western doctors often recommended tai chi practice to their patients for the many phyiscal and mental health benefits. As Western medicine grapples with the concept of longevity, the moderate excercise and lifestyle factors of tai chi are ideal.
- Tai chi, translated as yin-yang balance, is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM balances the body to prevent illness and optimize wellness. Yoga may offer many of the same benefits in stress reduction and flexibility. Avoiding the current tendency to jump from teacher to teacher without developing an in depth understanding of a specific curriculum will insure full benefits of that practice.
Tai Chi Chuan is Effective Self-Defense
- The slow moving form of tai chi chuan is rooted in "mind force." The focus of self-defense is to receive/release the opponents force and "stick on" the attacker to control them.
- The explosive Shaolin kung fu form is rooted in "physical force" and uses powerful blocks and strikes that can injure an attacker.
- The combined system merges mind force with physical force. The result maybe a powerful block to injure the attacking arm, followed by sticking on the opponent to receive/release or return their force back to them. The practice begins with the study of solo forms in depth without a partner to make certain that we learn to rely upon technique under pressure rather than simply resorting to muscle.
Peaceful, Happy People Have Better Relationships
- Peaceful conflict resolution - sharing peace within creates harmonious relationships to stop violence before it starts.
- Emotional hygeine - transforming emotions from negative to positive staves off violence
- Inner peace & positive emotions produce better work and family relationships
Avoid the Accident/Minimizing Harm
- Comprehensive awareness through quietude and training peripheral vision
- Relaxation and confidence while under pressure for good decisions and decisive execution
- Awareness avoids accidents. Relaxation and confidence helps find your best opportunity and execute well
Avoid the Fall/Minimizing Harm
- Balance from learning to maintain a vertical line of posture in the form.
- Rolling, relaxation and chi energy can be taught in special falling classes for tai chi students
- Many have told us stories of simply recovering their balance on the other foot instead of tripping by maintaining their vertical posture
